by Edward Moses

Created on: January 10, 2010

LIVING WITH COURAGE

Of all the virtues man acquires, I believe Courage is the most universally respected and admired. Contrary to popular opinion, Courage is not dealing with a situation with reckless abandon, nor meeting a challenge without regard to consequences. To me, courage is a much more complex and comprehensive set of behavioral characteristics arising from one’s beliefs about life and how you chose to live life. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, described it accurately as:

“Courage is the first of human qualities;

Because it is the quality which guarantees the others”.               

          

The act of Courage is much more than facing a danger or taking on a challenge.  It is a quality of spirit that enables you to act appropriately in the face of the unexpected challenges.

It is the strength of character that allows you to face apparent obstacles or dangers or the unknown with measured responses and a commitment to succeed. Equally, it can also be facing defeat and knowing that you will come out of the encounter wiser and richer.

               Like most human characteristics, courage is not inherited and is not present at birth, but is developed and nurtured gradually by learning and by exposure to risk taking. Children who are not afforded the opportunity to meet and deal with challenges are necessarily lacking this ability and invariably find difficulty in responding to situations with the level of courage needed.

                Courage, to be managed successfully, requires the use of all the elements of human behavior. Unlike the blind, impulsive response of a rage reaction which is no different than an animal response, true courage draws on a complex mix of human characteristics including  experience, maturity, intelligence, confidence and logic. To be successful the response must be balanced and directed, with a definitive, realistic goal.

               Examples of Courage and Courageous behavior abound all around us but most of the time we do not recognize them. Some are easy to recognize such as when a police officer faces an armed assailant, his action is one of supreme courage, similarly when a soldier is sent in harm’s way, he carries his courage each time, for they know they risk serious consequences. In other situations Courage is expressed in the form of commitment. When Muhammad Ali refused

Army conscription because of his religious beliefs and as a result suffered the indignities of losing all his reputation, that was an act of courage, no different than when John McCain refused freedom from a North Vietnam prison in solidarity with the other prisoners who were not offered the same opportunity.

               The truth is that courage is expressed in millions of diverse ways by so many of us without any concern of gain or reward. The only consideration is the intention to do the right thing at all cost. This above all, is the essential component for leading a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. As Maya Angelou, the celebrated Florida-based, African-American poet, noted:

 One isn't necessarily born with Courage, but one is born with potential.

Without Courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.

We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest”.

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